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  • Installing a Multi-Head Shower: Prep Work, Remove Old Showerhead and Replace Tile
  • From "Weekend Remodeling"
    episode WKR-109


    Prep Work, Remove Old Showerhead and Replace Tile = 3 hours
    Open Up Shower Wall and Rough in the Lower Plumbing = 4 hours
    Reinforce Shower Wall, Caulk Tile and Secure Shower System to Wall = 3 hours
    Replace Dry Wall in Closet = 4 hours
    Total hours spent on project = 14 hours over two and a half days

    On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project is a 2.

    We spent approximately $4,000 on supplies for this project. If you hired a contractor to install a skylight, it would probably cost around $5,500. (Instructions continued below)

    advertisement


    PHOTO

    In this episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reviez will show you how to transform an ordinary shower ...
    PHOTO

    into a luxury spa.
    Materials:

    multi-head shower
    silicone sealant
    pencil or felt marker
    socket wrench with sockets
    tape measure
    drill and bits
    level
    blade screwdriver
    Philips screwdriver
    hex wrenches
    1/8" spacers
    rubber float
    shims
    adhesive tape
    hammer
    skill saw
    circular saw
    rotary tool
    2 x 4's
    2 x 2's
    drywall and tape
    drywall tools

    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D

    1. First step is to determine your layout. Sketching the dimensions of the shower will help you figure out what you want to do -- and what works for your particular situation. Computer programs are available that can create 3-D images that will give you an idea of what your finished shower will be like.

    2. Make sure you can get access to the pipes behind your shower. Then, measure the shower to make sure you have enough space for the system you want to install.

    3. Collect the tools and materials you will need for the job. If your new unit is heavy, get someone to help with the lifting.

    4. Cut off the water supply and remove the old showerhead

    5. Use a rotary tool to grind out the grout (figure A).

    6. Score the tile and hit it with a cold chisel in order to crack the tile (figure B). Since the grout has been removed, you do not need to worry about cracking the rest of the tiles.

    7. Remove the tile and the leftover thin set. You can scrape the old thin set off using a five-in-one tool and a hammer (figure C). The area where the old tile was located needs to be leveled so that the new tile will not stick out.

    8. Then spread tinsel on the back of the new tile. Place 1/8-inch spacers so that all of the grout lines remain the same. After the thin set has dried, remove the spacers and then apply grout with a rubber float. The key here is to turn the float at an angle and spread the grout across the joints (figure D).

    9. When the grout sets, but is not too dry, wipe off the excess with a damp sponge.
    Expert Tip: If you don't have enough matching tile for your particular repair job, think about removing additional tiles in a decorative pattern and replacing them with tiles in contrasting colors.


    RESOURCES :
    WaterHaven Multi Nozzle Shower (Kohler Company)
    Kohler Co.
    Website: www.us.kohler.com

    Remodeling a Bathroom (For Pros By Pros Series)
    ISBN: 156158584X
    Author: Editors of Fine Homebuilding
    Order this title from Amazon.
    The Taunton Press Inc.
    Website: www.taunton.com

    The Complete Guide to Bathrooms: Ideas and Projects for Building and Remodeling (Black and Decker)
    ISBN: 1589230620
    Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
    Order this title from Amazon.
    Creative Publishing International, Inc.
    Website: www.creativepub.com

    Creating Beautiful Bathrooms: Design Tips, Remodeling Ideas, Building Projects
    ISBN: 1580110770
    Author: Jerry Germer
    Order this title from Amazon.
    Creative Homeowner Press
    Website: www.creativehomeowner.com

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